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Nationwide Insurance hacked

The personal accounts of more than 8,000 New Mexico customers of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. were hacked, the New Mexico Insurance Division reported Wednesday.

In a statement from the insurer, Nationwide said letters had gone out to those whose personal information was believed compromised. The criminally obtained information included names, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and/or dates of birth and possibly marital status, gender and occupation. The company said there has been no evidence that any medical or credit card information was stolen in the cyber attack.

In a letter to the state's Insurance Division, Nationwide said there was no evidence of any misuse so far.

"This is an example of how the Insurance Division works closely with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and individual companies to ensure that New Mexico's insurance public is protected," said Superintendent of Insurance John Franchini. "In this case, Nationwide was itself a victim but they didn't shirk from their responsibilities and they are doing what they can to protect their policyholders."

The company is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft services through Equifax as a precaution. Concerned customers should contact Nationwide for details.

Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide said the incident happened on Oct. 3. The computer attack is being investigated by law enforcement authorities.

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Franchini said his staff is also on alert and available to answer questions from consumers who may have been affected by the breach. The Insurance Division's Investigations Bureau can be reached at 505-827-4439.